Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

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Summary

Description

The bladder wrack Fucus vesiculosus is a large brown algae, common on the middle shore. It can be found in high densities living for about 4-5 years (S. Kraan, pers. comm.). Under sheltered conditions, the fronds have been known to grow up to 2 m in Maine, America (Wippelhauser, 1996).

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

All coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Global distribution

Fucus vesiculosus is found in the Baltic Sea, Faroes, Norway (including Spitsbergen), Sweden, Britain, Ireland, the Atlantic coast of France, Spain and Morocco, Madeira, the Azores, Portugal, the North Sea coast of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and the eastern shores of the United States and Canada.

Habitat

The species is found intertidally on rocky shores in a wide range of exposures. It is common on the mid shore often with Ascophyllum nodosum, below Fucus spiralis and in a zone further up the shore from Fucus serratus.

Depth range

Not relevant

Identifying features

  • Frond with prominent midrib and almost spherical air bladders.
  • Air bladders usually paired but may be absent in very small plants.
  • Margin of frond smooth.
  • Dichotomously branched.
  • The species may be confused with Fucus spiralis with which it hybridizes.
  • A bladderless form occurs on more wave exposed shores (S. Kraan, pers. comm.).

Additional information

-none-

Listed by

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Further information sources

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Biology review

Taxonomy

LevelScientific nameCommon name
PhylumOchrophyta
ClassPhaeophyceae
OrderFucales
FamilyFucaceae
GenusFucus
AuthorityLinnaeus, 1753
Recent Synonyms

Biology

ParameterData
Typical abundanceHigh density
Male size rangeUp to 1.5 m
Male size at maturity15-20 cm
Female size range15-20 cm
Female size at maturity
Growth formFoliose
Growth rate0.48cm/week
Body flexibility
MobilitySessile, permanent attachment
Characteristic feeding methodAutotroph
Diet/food sourceAutotroph
Typically feeds on
SociabilityNot relevant
Environmental positionEpifloral
DependencyIndependent.
SupportsNone
Is the species harmful?No

Biology information

Air bladders or vesicles are produced annually to make the frond float upwards when immersed, except at highly exposed coasts where no air bladders are produced (S. Kraan, pers. comm.). Fucus vesiculosus supports few colonial organisms but provides substratum and shelter for the tube worm Spirorbis spirorbis, herbivorous isopods, such as Idotea, and surface grazing snails, such as Littorina obtusata.

The growth rate of fucoids is known to vary both geographically and seasonally (Lehvo et al., 2001). Relative growth rate can vary from 0.05-0.14 cm/day depending on temperature and light conditions (S. Kraan, pers. comm.). The increase in growth rate for Fucus vesiculosus at 10, 12.5 and 15°C was found to be, on average, 280% higher than it was at 7°C (Strömgren, 1977). In the northern Baltic, the highest relative growth rate of vegetative branches for Fucus vesiculosus was observed in the summer (up to 0.7% / day ) compared to winter growth (less than 0.3% / day). In Sweden, growth rates of 0.7-0.8 cm/week were reported over the summer months of June and August (Carlson, 1991).

The growth rate can also vary with exposure. In Scotland, Fucus vesiculosus at Sgeir Bhuidhe, a very exposed site, grew about 0.31 cm/week whereas plants at Ascophyllum Rock grew an average of 0.68 cm/week (Knight & Parke, 1950). The proportion of energy allocated between vegetative and reproductive growth also varies throughout the year. In the northern Baltic, reproductive branches experienced a peak in growth rate in mid-April where the relative growth rate was almost 0.1% / day (Lehvo et al., 2001).

Habitat preferences

ParameterData
Physiographic preferencesEnclosed coast or Embayment, Estuary, Open coast, Ria or Voe, Sea loch or Sea lough, Strait or Sound
Biological zone preferencesMid eulittoral, Upper eulittoral
Substratum / habitat preferencesArtificial (man-made), Bedrock, Cobbles, Gravel / shingle, Large to very large boulders, Pebbles, Small boulders
Tidal strength preferencesModerately strong 1 to 3 knots (0.5-1.5 m/sec.), Strong 3 to 6 knots (1.5-3 m/sec.), Very weak (negligible), Weak < 1 knot (<0.5 m/sec.)
Wave exposure preferencesModerately exposed, Sheltered, Very sheltered
Salinity preferencesFull (30-40 psu), Reduced (18-30 psu), Variable (18-40 psu)
Depth rangeNot relevant
Other preferences

No text entered

Migration PatternNon-migratory or resident

Habitat Information

The morphology of the plant varies in response to the environmental conditions leading to distinct varieties. Also, the fact that it can hybridize freely with other fucoids leads to the formation of distinct varieties (S. Kraan, pers. comm.). This species can survive in exposed locations, even though it is not a preferred habitat, but survive as a dwarf form (S. Kraan, pers. comm.). Plants from exposed locations usually have no air bladders and are known as Fucus vesiculosus forma evesiculosus (formally Fucus vesiculosus forma linearis) which may be mistaken for Fucus ceranoides. The loss of air bladders is thought to be because they increase a plant's drag, making them more vulnerable to being washed off by waves. Depth is not relevant as the plant is intertidal although it does occur at shallow depths in the Baltic.

Life history

Adult characteristics

ParameterData
Reproductive typeGonochoristic (dioecious)
Reproductive frequency Annual episodic
Fecundity (number of eggs)>1,000,000
Generation time1-2 years
Age at maturityInsufficient information
SeasonWinter - Summer
Life span2-5 years

Larval characteristics

ParameterData
Larval/propagule type-
Larval/juvenile development Not relevant
Duration of larval stageNo information
Larval dispersal potential No information
Larval settlement periodInsufficient information

Life history information

The species is highly fecund often bearing more than 1000 receptacles on each plant, which may produce in excess of one million eggs. Development of the receptacles takes three months from initiation until gametes are released. On British shores, receptacles are initiated around December and may be present on the plant till late summer. In Sweden, receptacles were reportedly present from February through to October (Carlson, 1991).

In England, the species has a protracted reproduction period of about six months which varies only slightly in timing between a population at Wembury on the south coast of Devon and one at Port Erin, Isle of Man (Knight & Parke, 1950). Gametes may be produced from mid-winter until late summer with a peak of fertility in May and June. According to Berger et al. (2001), Fucus vesiculosus reproduced in either of two periods in the Baltic, the first period being early summer (May to June) and the second being late autumn (September to November).

Plants are dioecious. Gametes are generally released into the seawater under calm conditions (Mann, 1972; Serrão et al., 2000) and the eggs are fertilized externally to produce a zygote. In the Baltic, summer spawning plants produced smaller but more eggs than plants reproducing in late autumn (September - November): egg production was approximately 210,000 eggs/gram frond mass with an egg size of 0.067 mm and 89,000 egg/gram frond mass with an egg size of 0.07 mm for summer and autumn periods respectively (Berger et al, 2001). Both periods experienced similar recruitment success. Eggs are fertilized shortly after being released from the receptacle. On the coast of Maine, sampling on three separate occasions during the reproductive season revealed 100% fertilization on both exposed and sheltered shores (Serrão et al., 2000). Fertilization is not considered as a limiting factor in reproduction in this species (Mann, 1972; Serrã0 et al., 2000). Zygotes start to develop whenever they settle, even if the substratum is entirely unsuitable. The egg adheres to the rock within hours of settlement and the germling may be visible to the naked eye within a couple of weeks (Knight & Parke, 1950). The zygote is sticky (S. Kraan, pers. comm.) and may adhere firmly enough to resist removal by the next returning tide (Knight & Parke, 1950). Mortality is extremely high in the early stages of germination up to a time when plants are 3 cm in length and this is due mostly to mollusc predation (Knight & Parke 1950). In the Baltic, for example, a total of more than 1000 fertilized eggs per cm² were observed on the sea floor around the females over the two-month reproductive season (Serrão et al., 2000). By the end of the season, however, the number of germlings growing in the same area was at least an order of magnitude lower.
The timing of reproduction in this species can, to a certain extent, be influenced by wave exposure and reproduction is sometimes initiated earlier in sheltered conditions (Knight & Parke, 1950). In Finland, the amount of energy proportioned to reproduction was significantly higher on exposed sites than in sheltered localities (Bäck et al, 1991).

Sensitivity reviewHow is sensitivity assessed?

Physical pressures

Use / to open/close text displayed

 IntoleranceRecoverabilitySensitivityEvidence / Confidence
Substratum loss [Show more]

Substratum loss

Benchmark. All of the substratum occupied by the species or biotope under consideration is removed. A single event is assumed for sensitivity assessment. Once the activity or event has stopped (or between regular events) suitable substratum remains or is deposited. Species or community recovery assumes that the substratum within the habitat preferences of the original species or community is present. Further details

Evidence

Fucus vesiculosus attaches permanently to the substratum, and would therefore be removed upon substratum loss. However, this factor is not thought to lead to the mass mortality of the population (S. Kraan, pers. comm.) and therefore intolerance has been assessed as intermediate. Recovery would be high due to the high fecundity of the species and it's widespread distribution. Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore and full recovery takes 1-3 years (Holt et al., 1997).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Smothering [Show more]

Smothering

Benchmark. All of the population of a species or an area of a biotope is smothered by sediment to a depth of 5 cm above the substratum for one month. Impermeable materials, such as concrete, oil, or tar, are likely to have a greater effect. Further details.

Evidence

If smothering occurs while the tide is out all surfaces of the plant will be covered in sediment, preventing photosynthesis. If smothering occurs while the plant is immersed fewer surfaces will be covered, allowing photosynthesis to continue. Germlings will be smothered and die. Recovery should be high due to the high fecundity of the species and it's widespread distribution. Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore and full recovery takes 1-3 years.
High High Moderate Low
Increase in suspended sediment [Show more]

Increase in suspended sediment

Benchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details

Evidence

Siltation may cover some of the fronds and so reduce light available for photosynthesis and lower growth rates. Once silt is removed the growth rate should rapidly recover.
Low Immediate Not sensitive Low
Decrease in suspended sediment [Show more]

Decrease in suspended sediment

Benchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Desiccation [Show more]

Desiccation

  1. A normally subtidal, demersal or pelagic species including intertidal migratory or under-boulder species is continuously exposed to air and sunshine for one hour.
  2. A normally intertidal species or community is exposed to a change in desiccation equivalent to a change in position of one vertical biological zone on the shore, e.g., from upper eulittoral to the mid eulittoral or from sublittoral fringe to lower eulittoral for a period of one year. Further details.

Evidence

Fucus vesiculosus can tolerate desiccation until the water content is reduced to 30%. If desiccation occurs beyond this level, irreversible damage occurs. The plants at the top of the range probably live at the upper limit of their physiological tolerance and therefore are likely to be unable to tolerate increased desiccation and would be displaced by more physiologically tolerant species. However, individuals at the lower limit of the species distributional range would probably survive so intolerance is reported to be intermediate. Decreased levels of desiccation may result in the species colonizing further up the shore. Recovery would be rapid due to the high fecundity of the species, its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal.Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years.
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Increase in emergence regime [Show more]

Increase in emergence regime

Benchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

The primary effect of emersion upon algae would be desiccation. Emersion for just 4 hours on a sunny day can reduce the water content of Fucus vesiculosus to just 30 percent. This is the critical water content for the alga and water loss beyond this would cause irreversible damage. The species cannot tolerate increased emersion. Increases in the period of emersion would cause plants to die at the upper limit of the species. Fucus vesiculosus survives readily in fully submerged conditions where lowered salinity reduces the range of competing organisms. However, a reduction in the period of emersion under fully saline conditions may result in the plants at the bottom of the species distribution on the shore being out-competed by algae that normally grow further down the shore and the upper limit of the species distribution may extend up the shore. Recovery would be high due to the high fecundity of the species, its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal.Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years.
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Decrease in emergence regime [Show more]

Decrease in emergence regime

Benchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in water flow rate [Show more]

Increase in water flow rate

A change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details

Evidence

Increase in water flow rate may cause some of the plants to be torn off the substratum or the plants with substratum to be mobilized. The presence of air bladders increases the species drag making it more vulnerable to being removed. Recovery would be high due to the high fecundity of the species and its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal.Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years.
Intermediate High Low Low
Decrease in water flow rate [Show more]

Decrease in water flow rate

A change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in temperature [Show more]

Increase in temperature

  1. A short-term, acute change in temperature; e.g., a 5°C change in the temperature range for three consecutive days. This definition includes ‘short-term’ thermal discharges.
  2. A long-term, chronic change in temperature; e.g. a 2°C change in the temperature range for a year. This definition includes ‘long term’ thermal discharges.

For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details

Evidence

Fucus vesiculosus can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Plants have been found to tolerate -30°C in Maine for several weeks and temperatures as high as 30°C (Lüning, 1990). However, at the former temperature, intercellular and extracellular ice crystals form which would cause some damage to the plant (S. Kraan, pers. comm.). The species is well within its temperature range in the UK so would not be affected by a change of 5°C. The species showed no sign of damage during the extremely hot summer of 1983, when the average temperature was 8°C hotter than normal (Hawkins & Hartnoll, 1985).
Tolerant Not relevant Not sensitive High
Decrease in temperature [Show more]

Decrease in temperature

  1. A short-term, acute change in temperature; e.g., a 5°C change in the temperature range for three consecutive days. This definition includes ‘short-term’ thermal discharges.
  2. A long-term, chronic change in temperature; e.g. a 2°C change in the temperature range for a year. This definition includes ‘long term’ thermal discharges.

For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in turbidity [Show more]

Increase in turbidity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., two categories of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one month, such as from medium to extreme turbidity.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., one category of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one year, such as from low to medium turbidity. Further details

Evidence

Increased turbidity may reduce plant growth rates by reducing light available for photosynthesis. The compensation point for photosynthesis for Fucus vesiculosus was found to be ca. 25 µmol /m /sec along the Gulf of Finland. Below this point, the alga must rely on internal energy reserves to survive. A reduction in turbidity at the level at the benchmark level should have no effect. Once turbidity is restored to normal, the growth rate of the species would be quickly restored.
Low Immediate Not sensitive Moderate
Decrease in turbidity [Show more]

Decrease in turbidity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., two categories of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one month, such as from medium to extreme turbidity.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., one category of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one year, such as from low to medium turbidity. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in wave exposure [Show more]

Increase in wave exposure

A change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

Fucoids may be torn off the substratum by increased wave action. As exposure increases the fucoid population would become dominated by small juvenile plants. An increase in wave action beyond this would lead to dominance of the community by grazers and barnacles at the expense of fucoids. A reduction in wave action would have little effect as the species is naturally found in sheltered conditions. Recovery would be high upon return to sheltered conditions due to the high fecundity of the species and its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal.Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore and full recovery takes 1-3 years (Holt et al., 1997).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Decrease in wave exposure [Show more]

Decrease in wave exposure

A change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Noise [Show more]

Noise

  1. Underwater noise levels e.g., the regular passing of a 30-metre trawler at 100 metres or a working cutter-suction transfer dredge at 100 metres for one month during important feeding or breeding periods.
  2. Atmospheric noise levels e.g., the regular passing of a Boeing 737 passenger jet 300 metres overhead for one month during important feeding or breeding periods. Further details

Evidence

Seaweeds have no known mechanism for perception of noise.
Tolerant Not relevant Not sensitive Not relevant
Visual presence [Show more]

Visual presence

Benchmark. The continuous presence for one month of moving objects not naturally found in the marine environment (e.g., boats, machinery, and humans) within the visual envelope of the species or community under consideration. Further details

Evidence

Seaweeds have no known mechanism of visual perception.
Tolerant Not relevant Not sensitive Not relevant
Abrasion & physical disturbance [Show more]

Abrasion & physical disturbance

Benchmark. Force equivalent to a standard scallop dredge landing on or being dragged across the organism. A single event is assumed for assessment. This factor includes mechanical interference, crushing, physical blows against, or rubbing and erosion of the organism or habitat of interest. Where trampling is relevant, the evidence and trampling intensity will be reported in the rationale. Further details.

Evidence

Abrasion may cause damage to the fronds and germlings of Fucus vesiculosus. Abrasion may be caused by human trampling which can have a significant impact on shores, reducing the cover of fucoids (Holt et al., 1997). Recovery would be high upon return to normal conditions due to the high fecundity of the species and its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal. Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore and full recovery takes 1-3 years.
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Displacement [Show more]

Displacement

Benchmark. Removal of the organism from the substratum and displacement from its original position onto a suitable substratum. A single event is assumed for assessment. Further details

Evidence

Fucus vesiculosus is permanently attached to the substratum and would not be able to re-attach itself if removed. Recovery would be high upon return to normal conditions due to the high fecundity of the species and its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal.Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years (Holt et al., 1997).
High High Moderate Moderate

Chemical pressures

Use [show more] / [show less] to open/close text displayed

 IntoleranceRecoverabilitySensitivityEvidence / Confidence
Synthetic compound contamination [Show more]

Synthetic compound contamination

Sensitivity is assessed against the available evidence for the effects of contaminants on the species (or closely related species at low confidence) or community of interest. For example:

  • evidence of mass mortality of a population of the species or community of interest (either short or long term) in response to a contaminant will be ranked as high sensitivity;
  • evidence of reduced abundance, or extent of a population of the species or community of interest (either short or long term) in response to a contaminant will be ranked as intermediate sensitivity;
  • evidence of sub-lethal effects or reduced reproductive potential of a population of the species or community of interest will be assessed as low sensitivity.

The evidence used is stated in the rationale. Where the assessment can be based on a known activity then this is stated. The tolerance to contaminants of species of interest will be included in the rationale when available; together with relevant supporting material. Further details.

Evidence

Fucoids are generally quite robust in terms of chemical pollution (Holt et al., 1997). However, Fucus vesiculosus is extraordinarily highly intolerant of chlorate, such as from pulp mill effluents. In the Baltic, the species has disappeared in the vicinity of pulp mill discharge points and is affected even at immediate and remote distances (Kautsky, 1992). Recovery would be high upon return to normal conditions due to the high fecundity of the species, its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal.Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years (Holt et al., 1997).
Intermediate High Low Low
Heavy metal contamination [Show more]

Heavy metal contamination

Evidence

Fucoids accumulate heavy metals and may be used as indicators to monitor these. It is generally accepted that adult plants are relatively tolerant of heavy metal pollution (Holt et al., 1997). However, local variation exists in the tolerance to copper. Plants from highly copper polluted areas can be very tolerant, while those from unpolluted areas suffer significantly reduced growth rates at 25 micrograms per litre.
Low High Low Moderate
Hydrocarbon contamination [Show more]

Hydrocarbon contamination

Evidence

Fucus vesiculosus shows limited intolerance to oil. After the Amoco Cadiz oil spill it was observed that Fucus vesiculosus suffered very little (Floc'h & Diouris, 1980). Indeed, Fucus vesiculosus, may increase significantly in abundance on a shore where grazing gastropods have been killed by oil. However, very heavy fouling could reduce light available for photosynthesis and in Norway a heavy oil spill reduced fucoid cover. Recovery occurred within two years in moderately exposed conditions and four years in shelter (Holt et al., 1997).
Low High Low High
Radionuclide contamination [Show more]

Radionuclide contamination

Evidence

Brown algae readily accumulate radionuclides and have been routinely used in temperate latitudes as biomonitors of radionuclide pollution (van der Ben & Bonotto, 1991; Fowler, 1979, cited in Boisson et al.,1997). In the Irish Sea, much higher activities of alpha and gamma radionuclides were observed at sites in close proximity to Sellafield compared to other sites on the coast (Thompson et al., 1982). Temperature has been shown to affect the uptake of some radionuclides and their subsequent bioaccumulation in Fucus vesiculosus (Boisson et al., 1997). More importantly, any contaminants bioaccumulated in the alga can enter the food chain through, for example, grazers such as sea urchins. In 2003 the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland produced a study focussing on assessing radioactivity exposure to the public and monitoring radioactivity in the marine environment of the Irish Sea (Ryan et al., 2003). In Fucus vesiculosus, activity concentration of the artificial radionuclide caesium-137 was found to have fallen dramatically since 1983 with concentrations ranging from 1.2-5.8 Bq/kg in 2000/2001. Concentrations of technitium-99 averaged between 264-3905 Bq/kg over the same period and concentrations were shown to have been declining since 1998 (Ryan et al., 2003). However, the actual effects of radionuclide accumulation in the alga are not well documented and accordingly, insufficient information has been suggested for this section.
No information Not relevant No information Not relevant
Changes in nutrient levels [Show more]

Changes in nutrient levels

Evidence

Nutrients are essential for algal growth and are often a limiting factor. When plants grow in high densities they are usually competing for nutrients. Increased nutrients may lead to eutrophication, overgrowth by green algae and reduced oxygen levels. However, fucoids appear relatively resistant to sewage and they grow within 20m of an outfall discharging sewage from the Isle of Man (Holt et al., 1997).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Increase in salinity [Show more]

Increase in salinity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., a change of two categories from the MNCR salinity scale for one week (view glossary) such as from full to reduced.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., a change of one category from the MNCR salinity scale for one year (view glossary) such as from reduced to low. Further details.

Evidence

Fucus vesiculosus tolerates a wide range of salinities, as evidenced by it's penetration into the Baltic. Being an intertidal species it must withstand occasional conditions of hyposalinity during precipitation and hypersalinity during sunny or windy periods. In the UK, the species tolerates salinity down to 11 psu, below which it is replaced by Fucus ceranoides (Suryono & Hardy, 1997). The growth of germlings at 35 ‰ was found to be greatly reduced compared to growth at 31 ‰. Recovery would be high upon return to normal salinity conditions due to the high fecundity of the species and its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal. Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years (Holt et al., 1997).
Low High Low Low
Decrease in salinity [Show more]

Decrease in salinity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., a change of two categories from the MNCR salinity scale for one week (view glossary) such as from full to reduced.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., a change of one category from the MNCR salinity scale for one year (view glossary) such as from reduced to low. Further details.

Evidence

 No information
Changes in oxygenation [Show more]

Changes in oxygenation

Benchmark.  Exposure to a dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/l for one week. Further details.

Evidence

Insufficient
information
No information Not relevant No information Not relevant

Biological pressures

Use [show more] / [show less] to open/close text displayed

 IntoleranceRecoverabilitySensitivityEvidence / Confidence
Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasites [Show more]

Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasites

Benchmark. Sensitivity can only be assessed relative to a known, named disease, likely to cause partial loss of a species population or community. Further details.

Evidence

Insufficient
information
No information Not relevant No information Not relevant
Introduction of non-native species [Show more]

Introduction of non-native species

Sensitivity assessed against the likely effect of the introduction of alien or non-native species in Britain or Ireland. Further details.

Evidence

Insufficient
information
No information Not relevant No information Not relevant
Extraction of this species [Show more]

Extraction of this species

Benchmark. Extraction removes 50% of the species or community from the area under consideration. Sensitivity will be assessed as 'intermediate'. The habitat remains intact or recovers rapidly. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details.

Evidence

Over harvesting could occur on easily accessible shores if harvesting of Fucus vesiculosus increased significantly. Provided the plant is not removed entirely the algae can regenerate from the remaining stem. Recovery would be high due to the high fecundity of the species and its widespread distribution and capacity for dispersal. Fucus vesiculosus recruits readily to cleared areas of the shore although full recovery may take 1-3 years.
Intermediate High Low Not relevant
Extraction of other species [Show more]

Extraction of other species

Benchmark. A species that is a required host or prey for the species under consideration (and assuming that no alternative host exists) or a keystone species in a biotope is removed. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details.

Evidence

Insufficient
information
No information Not relevant No information Not relevant

Additional information

Importance review

Policy/legislation

- no data -

Status

Non-native

ParameterData
NativeNative
Origin-
Date Arrived-

Importance information

Morrissey et al (2001) listed many uses for Fucus vesiculosus including fertilizer, bodycare products, such as shower gels and body creams, and health supplements (kelp tablets). When used in hot seawater baths or steamed the plants are said to release certain substances that promote good skin, lower blood pressure and ease arthritic and rheumatic pains (Morrissey et al, 2001). The boiled broth can also be used as a health drink (Guiry & Blunden, 1991). Only a small amount of the available Fucus vesiculosus resource is reported to be used and is hand cut or collected as drift (Morrissey et al, 2001).
Fucus vesiculosus is important for promoting biodiversity as it provides substrate and shelter for various species including the tube worm Spirorbis spirorbis, herbivorous isopods, such as Idotea, and surface grazing snails, such as Littorina obtusata.

Bibliography

  1. Bäck, S., Collins, J.C. & Russell, G., 1991. Aspects of the reproductive biology of Fucus vesiculosus from the coast of south west Finland. Ophelia, 34, 129-141.

  2. Berger, R., Malm, T. & Kautsky, L., 2001. Two reproductive strategies in Baltic Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyceae). European Journal of Phycology, 36, 265-273.

  3. Boisson, F., Hutchins, D.A., Fowler, S.W., Fisher, N.S. & Teyssie, J.-L., 1997. Influence of temperature on the accumulation and retention of 11 radionuclides by the marine alga Fucus vesiculosus (L.). Marine Pollution Bulletin, 35, 313-321.

  4. Carlson, L., 1991. Seasonal variation in growth, reproduction and nitrogen content of Fucus vesiculosus in the Öresund, Southern Sweden. Botanica Marina, 34, 447-453.

  5. Guiry, M.D. & Blunden, G., 1991. Seaweed Resources in Europe: Uses and Potential. Chicester: John Wiley & Sons.

  6. Guiry, M.D. & Nic Dhonncha, E., 2002. AlgaeBase. World Wide Web electronic publication http://www.algaebase.org,

  7. Hardy, F.G. & Guiry, M.D., 2003. A check-list and atlas of the seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. London: British Phycological Society

  8. Hawkins, S.J. & Hartnoll, R.G., 1985. Factors determining the upper limits of intertidal canopy-forming algae. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 20, 265-271.

  9. Hiscock, S., 1979. A field key to the British brown seaweeds (Phaeophyta). Field Studies, 5, 1- 44.

  10. Holt, T.J., Hartnoll, R.G. & Hawkins, S.J., 1997. The sensitivity and vulnerability to man-induced change of selected communities: intertidal brown algal shrubs, Zostera beds and Sabellaria spinulosa reefs. English Nature, Peterborough, English Nature Research Report No. 234.

  11. Howson, C.M. & Picton, B.E., 1997. The species directory of the marine fauna and flora of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Belfast: Ulster Museum. [Ulster Museum publication, no. 276.]

  12. Kautsky, H., 1992. The impact of pulp-mill effluents on phytobenthic communities in the Baltic Sea. Ambio, 21, 308-313.

  13. Knight, M. & Parke, M., 1950. A biological study of Fucus vesiculosus L. and Fucus serratus L. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 29, 439-514.

  14. Morrissey, J., Kraan, S. & Guiry, M.D., 2001. A guide to commercially important seaweeds on the Irish coast. Bord Iascaigh Mhara: Dun Laoghaire.

  15. Munda, I.M., 1997. Combined effects of temperature and salinity on growth rates of germlings of three Fucus species from Iceland, Helgoland and the North Adriatic Sea. Helgoländer Wissenschaftliche Meeresunters, 29, 302-310.

  16. Ryan, T.P., McMahon, C.A., Dowdall, A., Fegan, M., Sequeira, S., Murray, M., McKittrick, L., Hayden, E., Wong, J. & Colgan, P.A., 2003. Radioactivity monitoring of the marine environment 2000 and 2001. , Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland., http://www.rpii.ie/reports/2003/MarineReport20002001final.pdf

  17. Serrão, E.A., Kautsky, L., Lifvergren, T. & Brawley, S.H., 1997. Gamete dispersal and pre-recruitment mortality in Baltic Fucus vesiculosus (Abstract only). Phycologia, 36 (Suppl.), 101-102.

  18. Strömgren, T., 1977. Short-term effects of temperature upon the growth of intertidal fucales. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 29 (2), 181-195. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-0981(77)90047-8

  19. Suryono, C.A. & Hardy, F.G., 1997. Studies on the distribution of Fucus ceranoides L. (Phaeophyta, Fucales) in estuaries on the north-east coast of England. Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria, 57, 153-168.

  20. Thompson, N., Cross, J.E., Miller, R.M. & Day, J.P., 1982. Alpha and gamma radioactivity in Fucus vesiculosus from the Irish Sea. Environmental Pollution (Serries B), 3, 11-19.

  21. Van der Ben, D. & Bonotto, S., 1991. Utilization of brown algae for monitoring the radioactive contamination of the marine environment. Oebalia, 17, 143-153.

  22. Wippelhauser, G.S., 1996. Ecology and management of Maine's eelgrass, rockweed, and kelps. Augusta: Department of Conservation.

Datasets

  1. Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre, 2017. BRERC species records recorded over 15 years ago. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/h1ln5p accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-25.

  2. Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre, 2017. BRERC species records within last 15 years. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/vntgox accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-25.

  3. Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, 2018. Ulster Museum Marine Surveys of Northern Ireland Coastal Waters. Occurrence dataset https://www.nmni.com/CEDaR/CEDaR-Centre-for-Environmental-Data-and-Recording.aspx accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-25.

  4. Cofnod – North Wales Environmental Information Service, 2018. Miscellaneous records held on the Cofnod database. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/hcgqsi accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-25.

  5. Environmental Records Information Centre North East, 2018. ERIC NE Combined dataset to 2017. Occurrence dataset: http://www.ericnortheast.org.ukl accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-38

  6. Fenwick, 2018. Aphotomarine. Occurrence dataset http://www.aphotomarine.com/index.html Accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-01

  7. Fife Nature Records Centre, 2018. St Andrews BioBlitz 2014. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/erweal accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-27.

  8. Fife Nature Records Centre, 2018. St Andrews BioBlitz 2015. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/xtrbvy accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-27.

  9. Fife Nature Records Centre, 2018. St Andrews BioBlitz 2016. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/146yiz accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-27.

  10. Kent Wildlife Trust, 2018. Biological survey of the intertidal chalk reefs between Folkestone Warren and Kingsdown, Kent 2009-2011. Occurrence dataset: https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-01.

  11. Kent Wildlife Trust, 2018. Kent Wildlife Trust Shoresearch Intertidal Survey 2004 onwards. Occurrence dataset: https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-01.

  12. Lancashire Environment Record Network, 2018. LERN Records. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/esxc9a accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  13. Manx Biological Recording Partnership, 2017. Isle of Man wildlife records from 01/01/2000 to 13/02/2017. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/mopwow accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  14. Manx Biological Recording Partnership, 2018. Isle of Man historical wildlife records 1990 to 1994. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/aru16v accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  15. Manx Biological Recording Partnership, 2018. Isle of Man historical wildlife records 1995 to 1999. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/lo2tge accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  16. Merseyside BioBank., 2018. Merseyside BioBank (unverified). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/iou2ld accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  17. National Trust, 2017. National Trust Species Records. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/opc6g1 accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  18. NBN (National Biodiversity Network) Atlas. Available from: https://www.nbnatlas.org.

  19. Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service, 2017. NBIS Records to December 2016. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/jca5lo accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  20. OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System),  2025. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2025-05-20

  21. Outer Hebrides Biological Recording, 2018. Non-vascular Plants, Outer Hebrides. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/goidos accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  22. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 2018. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Herbarium (E). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/ypoair accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

  23. South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, 2018. SEWBReC Algae and allied species (South East Wales). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/55albd accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

  24. South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, 2018. Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project. Occurance dataset: http://www.sewbrec.org.uk/ accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-02

  25. Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service., 2017. Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service (SBIS) Dataset. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/ab4vwo accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

  26. The Wildlife Information Centre, 2018. TWIC Biodiversity Field Trip Data (1995-present). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/ljc0ke accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

  27. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, 2018. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Shoresearch. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/1nw3ch accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

Citation

This review can be cited as:

White, N. 2008. Fucus vesiculosus Bladder wrack. In Tyler-Walters H. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 20-05-2025]. Available from: https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1330

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Last Updated: 29/05/2008